?Urges Nigerian leaders to prioritize governance over politics

The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama has called on the Federal Government to address the challenges of insecurity, revive the economy, and restore the dignity of human lives because Nigeria is bleeding, people are hungry, unsafe and disillusioned.

According to him, as a people, the citizens must rise above despair, division, and violence and commit themselves to peace, justice, and truth.

?Our country is bleeding ? our people are hungry, unsafe, and disillusioned. It is therefore imperative that politicians in government focus more on addressing the real challenges before us: ending insecurity, reviving the economy, and restoring the dignity of Nigerian lives?, he said.

While describing the political tensions and institutional breakdown that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State as ?deeply troubling?, the cleric said that although government intervention in moments of crisis is sometimes necessary to restore order and protect democratic institutions, the government must be cautious in its reactions and avoid actions that could further polarize an already tense environment.

Kaigama said these in his Easter Message titled, ?The Light Shines in the Darkness, and the Darkness Cannot Overcome It?, taken from John 1:5 and sent to Arise News in Abuja.

He said Easter is not just a Christian ritual ? but a powerful reminder that light always follows darkness, and life prevails over death.

Kaigama said, ?Yet, even as we celebrate, our hearts are heavy with grief and concern over the senseless bloodshed and insecurity that continue to plague our land.

We mourn the tragic and reckless killing of innocent travellers in Uromi, Edo State ? lives cut short without reason or mercy.

?We grieve the repeated violence and massacres in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas of Plateau State, where entire communities are being decimated. These attacks have left families shattered and dreams destroyed, and they underscore the urgent need for a sincere and coordinated response to insecurity across Nigeria.

We are also alarmed by the continual hunger and economic hardship gripping our people. Families struggle daily to put food on the table, and children go to bed hungry in a nation so richly blessed.

?The desperation in the land is palpable, and it calls for immediate action from all levels of government, faith-based institutions, and citizens. As Jesus fed the multitudes with compassion, so must we work together to ensure that no Nigerian goes hungry in the midst of plenty.

?Equally distressing is the increasing trend of kidnapping and targeted attacks on clergy, especially priests who dedicate their lives to serving others. These brutal acts not only rob families of their loved ones but also strike at the heart of our moral and spiritual fabric. Every priest kidnapped or murdered is a blow to the conscience of our nation.

?In addition, the recent political tensions and institutional breakdown that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State are deeply troubling. While government intervention in moments of crisis is sometimes necessary to restore order and protect democratic institutions, we must be cautious in our reactions and avoid actions that could further polarize an already tense environment.

?Let this moment serve as a call to all stakeholders ? political leaders, traditional authorities, civil society, and citizens ? to embrace dialogue over division. No democracy can thrive without the culture of give and take, live and let live.

Power, like life, is transient. Therefore, we must strive to build bridges and not burn them, to prioritize the welfare of the people over personal or party interests. Let us resist the temptation of inflammatory rhetoric and embrace peace, understanding, and mutual respect as the pathway to lasting stability.

?We must also be deeply concerned about the rising tide of acrimonious political rhetoric that is spreading across the nation. Words are powerful, and when used carelessly, they can inflame tensions and deepen our divisions. This is not yet the time for political campaigns or endless jostling for power.

Let us demand accountability and protection for every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, faith, or region.

He said since leadership is a sacred responsibility, not a contest of noise, Nigerian leaders should ?prioritize governance over politics, solutions over slogans, and unity over personal ambition. Nigeria needs healing, not hostility.?

Kaigama said that in the face of the darkness that seems to surround Nigeria and envelop her lands, ?we must not lose hope? as Easter teaches that even the tomb cannot hold back the power of resurrection.

?As a people, we must rise above despair, division, and violence. Let us commit ourselves to peace, justice, and truth. Let us demand accountability and protection for every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, faith, or region.

?This Easter, may the risen Christ ignite in us the courage to speak up against evil, the strength to support one another, and the wisdom to build a Nigeria where dignity and life are sacred once again. Let our celebration not just be of Christ?s resurrection, but of the renewal of our national spirit. May God bless Nigeria, and may peace reign in our hearts and across our land?, the cleric emphasized.

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